Two valence electrons occupy the outer energy level of the element strontium. If strontium forms an ion, what will be its likely charge?

2 Answers
May 21, 2018

+2

Explanation:

Strontium will lose the two outer valance electrons to form a stable noble gas electron structure. As electrons are negative losing two negative electrons will leave Strontium with a +2 charge.

May 21, 2018

Would it not be #Sr^(2+)#?

Explanation:

You gots a Group 2 metal, an alkaline earth, and these with TWO valence electrons, typically form #M^(2+)# ions upon oxidation...

#Sr rarr Sr^(2+) +2e^(-)#

We could write the entire electronic configuration of strontium metal as #Z=38#...

#underbrace(1s^(2)2s^(2)2p^(6)3s^(2)3p^(6)4s^(2)3d^(10)4p^(6)5s^(2))_"electronic configuration of strontium metal"#

And upon oxidation....

#underbrace(1s^(2)2s^(2)2p^(6)3s^(2)3p^(6)4s^(2)3d^(10)4p^(6))_"electronic configuration of strontium dication"#

The valence electrons are the #s# electrons...and these can be ionized...